relenting
UK: rɪˈlentɪŋ | US: rɪˈlentɪŋ
adj. becoming less severe, harsh, or strict; showing mercy or flexibility
v. (present participle of "relent") to soften in attitude or temper; to yield or give in
relenting = relent<soften> + ing<present participle suffix>
- relent<soften>: From Latin re- (back) + lentare (to bend), via Old French relentir (to soften). Originally meant "to melt or dissolve," later evolving to imply yielding or becoming less rigid.
- ing<present participle suffix>: Old English -ende, used to form present participles or adjectives indicating ongoing action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "relent" traces back to the Latin lentus (flexible, slow), combined with the prefix re- (back), suggesting a return to a softer state. Over time, it shifted from physical melting ("dissolving") to metaphorical softening ("becoming merciful"). The suffix -ing turns it into an adjective or continuous verb form, capturing the ongoing nature of the action.
After hours of negotiation, the manager showed a relenting attitude.
The storm showed no sign of relenting, continuing to rage through the night.
Her relenting smile put everyone at ease.
The strict rules finally relented under public pressure.
He kept pleading until her anger began relenting.